Police probe 'joke' eBay daughter sale couple

Mother may face charges

Two Germans who offered to sell their daughter on eBay may face prosecution for attempted human trafficking, despite claiming that the auction they launched was merely a "joke".

The pair - a 35-year-old woman and her 41-year-old boyfriend - are currently under investigation by local police after a fellow Internet user in their home town of Rennerod, Bavaria saw the auction last weekend and reported it to the authorities. The eight-year-old was reportedly touted with the offer: "You can play with her, eat her at a barbecue or sell her to gypsies. She is a real working toy." Bidding started at €1 ($1.19).

By the time eBay pulled the auction, bidding had risen to €25.50 ($30.25).

The couple claimed the auction was just a joke, when questioned by police following a raid on their homes, the Associated Press reports.

eBay's Ts&Cs forbid members from offering people and body parts. The online auctioneer's German operation said it was co-operating with police and slammed the couple's actions as "tasteless". ®